31 August 2005

40 out of 45 Labour Party signs stolen in one night.

The Labour Party campaign team for Ilam was in shock yesterday after a concerted effort saw 40 out of the 45 large election signs stolen on Monday night.

Labour Party Candidate Julian Blanchard says that it is no coincidence that this has happened. "We are 2 and a half weeks out from an election and to have 40 signs gone on a Monday night is extremely annoying."

The signs which are valued at over $2,000 were taken from various homes across the electorate. Many of the residents heard a car pull up and tear them off and take them away.

The local Labour party worked hard this year to get a great presence out in Ilam which is currently held by National party deputy leader, Gerry Brownlee. Julian Blanchard says "The thing that people don't realize is that it is not me or Helen Clark who has paid for the signs. It is local people who have sold raffle tickets held garage sales, movie nights and cake stalls to pay for these. To have 40 out of 45 stolen in one night has angered those in the local branches."

The incident was reported to the Police who are investigating.

The campaign team meets today to discuss options for the next two weeks.

Local Labour member, Betty Rapson with Labour candidate Julian Blanchard, at one of few remaining signs left in Ilam.

ENDS

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